Rushed through Congress, Real ID Act Legislation Threatens Privacy Rights

Interview with Ari Schwartz, associate director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, conducted by Scott Harris

Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wis. is a primary sponsor of the Real ID Act legislation. (www.unrealid.com)

The Republican-controlled Congress is about to pass controversial legislation called the Real ID Act, a measure that would nationalize standards for issuing drivers licenses and identification cards. Advertised as a tool to fight terrorism, the Real ID Act would require states to verify documents people present to prove their identity and legal address. Nine states that currently issue licenses to undocumented immigrants would be forced to end these programs. The Act will also place new obstacles in granting asylum to persons fleeing political, religious or ethnic persecution.

But critics are concerned that the Real ID ACT, attached to an Iraq War spending bill, is being rushed through Congress without hearings or privacy protections. Civil liberties advocates say that although the legislation won't mandate a national identification data base as originally planned, there are no restrictions on access to each state's database. State officials also complain that the bill will cost millions of dollars not provided by the federal government.

Between the Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Ari Schwartz, associate director of the Center for Democracy and Technology. Schwartz explains why his group and hundreds of other national organizations oppose the Real ID Act.

Contact the Center for Democracy and Technology by calling (202) 637-9800 or visit their websites at www.cdt.org and www.unrealID.com

Related links:

Electronic Privacy Information Center at www.epic.org

"Suspicious License," Boston Globe editorial, May 9, 2005,

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